Table of Contents
Amesbury
No more than 6 hens are allowed for residential areas with lot sizes greater than 10,750 square feet. No roosters are allowed. For larger lot sizes over 1 acre, residents may apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a special permit. No meat production is allowed. Chickens must be kept in a coop or an enclosure at all times, and there are setbacks that must be followed:
- 20 feet from a habitable building
- 40 feet from habitable building on an adjoining lot or body of water
- 10 feet from property lines
Andover
You can have as many hens or roosters as you want, as long as your chicken coop has enough space. But if neighbors start complaining too much about noisy roosters, the town might give you a citation.
If structure is 6’x6’x7′ or larger, it must be at least 50 feet from property line.
Newburyport
Newburyport follows the chicken rules listed on Mass.gov. Hens are allowed; there is currently no limit. The town requests residents not get a rooster if possible. There is an annual inspection if a chicken coop is present on your property.
Newbury
There are no limits on hens or roosters, permits or annual inspections. In Newbury, Massachusetts, the “Right to Farm” bylaw recognizes and supports the practice of farming, including the keeping and raising of poultry such as chickens. This bylaw emphasizes the town’s commitment to preserving agricultural activities and ensures that farming operations can function with minimal conflict with neighbors and town boards.
Source: https://ecode360.com/15580367
North Andover
A single-family residence may keep a maximum of six hens. For lots of at least three acres, a single-family residence may keep a maximum of three hens per acre of lot size. No roosters are permitted. Must maintain a minimum coop area of four square feet per hen. Hens and coops are prohibited from the front yard of a residence, unless screened by a privacy fence of at least six feet in height. No coop shall be located closer than 40 feet to any residential structure occupied by someone other than the hen owner, custodian or keeper. The hens shall be secured in a coop and contained in a fenced area on the property when out of the coop.
Two-family residences, in addition to single-family residences, may keep six hens as long as hens are owned by the homeowner, who must reside in the property.
Source: https://ecode360.com/32682513
Haverhill
If you want to keep up to 6 hens in Haverhill, you have to apply for a permit online. The Director of Inspectional Services can approve it without needing a public hearing. More than 7 hens require you to go before the Board of Health.
Roosters are not permitted except on a case-by-case basis depending on your zone.
Plaistow, NH
In Plaistow, there are no rules or limits about hens or roosters themselves, but the town does regulate the structures they live in.
If you’re putting up a barn, coop, or shed, you’ll need a permit. Chicken coops have to follow the same setback rules as any other structure in your area:
35 feet from the front property line
15 or 25 feet from the side/rear property lines
75 feet from wetlands
Reading
A license is required from the Board of Health. You’re allowed up to 6 hens per property, unless you submit a plan that follows guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture or the USDA. If your plan meets the Board of Health’s standards, you may be approved to keep more hens. No roosters are allowed.
https://www.readingma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2261/Section-02—Keeping-of-Animals-PDF?bidId=
Salem, NH
No more than 6 hens can be allowed for each lot. No roosters are allowed. The chicken coop shall be at least two square feet per hen. Coops or cages housing chickens and manure storage areas must be kept at least 25 feet from any property line. Coops and cages cannot be located in the front yard. A permit is not be required unless the coop is greater than 200 square feet.
Salisbury
There’s no set limit on the number of hens you can have, but they must have enough space to move freely. Before getting chickens, check with the Zoning Department to confirm they’re allowed at your address. Then, the Animal Control Officer can let you know how many hens you’re permitted to keep. Roosters are not allowed.
Windham, NH
There are no limits on the number of hens or roosters residents can have. However, if noise becomes a nuisance to neighbors, the town may issue a warning. A permit is required to build a chicken coop.
Considerations Before Raising Chickens
If you’re asking, are chickens allowed in my city?, it’s important to check local regulations before getting started. Beyond legal considerations, there are several key factors to keep in mind before raising backyard chickens.
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Time and Commitment: Chickens require daily care, including feeding, watering, and egg collection. Regular coop cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent odors.
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Predators and Pests: Backyard chickens can attract predators like raccoons, foxes, and hawks. A secure coop and run are necessary to keep them safe. Additionally, rodents may be drawn to leftover feed, so proper storage is a must.
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Noise and Odor: While hens are generally quieter than roosters, they can still be noisy, especially after laying eggs. Chicken droppings can also create strong odors if not managed properly. Regular cleaning and a well-designed coop help reduce these issues.
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Health Risks: Chickens can carry germs like Salmonella, even when they appear healthy. Proper hygiene, such as washing hands after handling chickens or eggs, is essential to prevent illness.
Disadvantages of Raising Chickens
Even if the answer to are chickens allowed in my city? is yes, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides:
- Initial Costs: Setting up a proper coop, purchasing feed, and acquiring other supplies can add up quickly.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Keeping chickens healthy requires consistent cleaning and care.
- Zoning Restrictions: Some cities and towns have strict rules about backyard chickens, while others prohibit them altogether. Checking with local authorities will help you avoid legal issues.
Since regulations vary by location, it’s crucial to verify local rules. If you’re still wondering, are chickens allowed in my city?, reach out to your local zoning department or animal control office. Some areas may require permits not just for the chickens themselves but also for coops and other structures.
